Hello fanfic readers; welcome to the new chapter, well sort of. It's the previous chapter but with newer content (holds head in pain). I decided from now on not to rush chapter update just to get to the good stuff. Don't worry though there is new content coming so stay tuned

*I've done some tweaking to this chapter in order to fit in with the grand finale, its a little fluffy but I feel it is better than the last one please enjoy :)*

Enough rambling; let's get right into answering my reviewers:

Meandcartoon22- Yes, Zuko does have a terrible case of foot and mouth disease. Stay tuned to find out why Zuko is so cold toward Mai.

Xforevergonex-Killing someone with a shoe hmm…that gives me an idea. You're welcome for the clarification of the phrase Phoenix King Whore. As long as you keep reviewing I'll keep answering.

Warlock2552- That's Azula for you

Passionworks- It's good to see you back and I am happy for the review. Yes evil scriptwriter's habits are only going to be confined to a graphic novel.

BoogieBoy- Very true my fellow author

Grievous27-Thanks

Red Samurai- I plan on it

Winterdevils- I love that song mad world

Toaneo07-Yay

Put on your scuba suit; because we're about to dive right into the story

I do not own ATLA but I do own my vivid dreams

Book 4: Air: Out of the Ashes

Prologue Part 3

Zuko massaged the temples of his head from an oncoming headache. His nerves were shot; all of his thoughts rested on worst case scenario, as he sat in the dining room. He ceased his wandering thoughts and examined the room. Mai was behaving herself; so far so good. Katara was stroking her hair nervously. Toph in a deplorable manner dug in her ears and flicked the wax away; uncaring that anyone saw her. Sokka's stomach began to growl loudly. Ty Lee gnawed on her fingernails. Uncle Iroh from outward appearances seemed calm; until he saw the sweat stains form under his armpits. The only unfazed party was Aang; who was by his side, gleaming with optimism. "Relax everything will be okay," assured the airbender.

"I hope so," Zuko said with a heavy sigh, "Aang, can you to do me a favor?"

"Of course Zuko"

"I need you to make sure Azula's bending is still suppressed. I don't want any incidents, in case she gets upset."

"I don't think she'll want me touching her, but I'll try."

Zuko smiled at Aang and looked at the door; any minute, she was going to enter the room. What was she going to say? What was she going to look like? The double doors to the dining room opened with a loud creak. Zuko took a deep breath; this was it.

Azula entered with her hands clasped in front of her. When she looked at the crowd, she seemed taken aback. Lora, the servant girl, coaxed her forward. Zuko marveled at how beautiful and womanly she has become. For a moment, she resembled their mother, but still has their fathers piercing amber eyes.
When he hugged her, it was a joyous feeling of relief. He had lost so many things; she was the one he couldn't stand to. Zuko felt a sense of pride swell in his chest. Azula's recovery, motherhood and marriage proved to those naysayers that she wasn't a follower; but she chose her own path. If everyone could see her now, they would be eating a slice of humble pie.

As his friends discussed their lives around the table, he focused on his sister. Azula just stared at the meal; she didn't pick up one morsel of food. He examined her countenance; she was terrified and angry. Zuko remembered that look; she was going to explode and all of his good intentions would go right out the window. Please behave Azula I want to show everyone who you really are.

That thought would have worked, if his wife Mai weren't making little jabs at Azula the whole meal. In his opinion, Mai was acting like a child, holding grudges and bullying her former friend just because she could. Uncle Iroh's appreciation of the tea broke the Firelord's deliberation. "What is the ingredient in this tea that makes it so sweet/"

"I think its cardamom and ginger," spoke Zuko.

"I'll have to try that at 'The Jasmine Dragon'. Nephew, you must come down soon and try my new tea cakes that Song made."

"Don't count on it; he's not reliable," said Mai staring at Azula.

Zuko had, had enough; he was on the verge of dismissing Mai from the room, when he felt the table shake. Azula was standing up incensed; her meal was shoved away. "Do you all think I'm stupid!" she shouted, "This is how you plan my farewell, with light conversation and a meal!"

A hush came over the room. Zuko instantly knew; Toph was right. Azula directed her paranoia and anger at the entire guest, as if they conspired to execute her right then and there. Zuko was too altruistic, in fact, he underestimated; his sister was too smart to be fooled by the veneer of the company. He couldn't blame Azula for being upset; after all, having her enemies in the same room was not the best course of action. It didn't matter if he tried to calm her down; when she was on an emotional high, there was no reasoning with her, she was stubborn. He couldn't stand to lose his only strand of hope. Why couldn't she see that he cared? He loved her so much; went into the emotional battlefield to save her so she could be free and independent, to recover, and to have the life she deserves. He didn't make all these sacrifices because of pity; he made a vow to his mother when they were young:

Little Prince Zuko would lie in bed after being defeated from another failed training session, while Azula once again, outshined him and as usual reveled in the victory. He had found out later that she had gotten very ill and refused to see her. The young man locked himself in his room, brooding. Lady Ursa on days like these comforted him. "Zuko there will come a day when your sister needs you and you have to promise me that you will take care of her."

"I'm not doing anything for her; she's mean, stupid and always lies."

"Regardless, she's still your sister for life, she is stubborn, yes, but you must push yourself and care."

"I don't care: I hate her!"

Ursa kneeled down to his bedside looking him lovingly in the eye."No you don't; because deep down when Azula hurts, you hurt ten times more and it rips you apart."

Little Zuko hung his head hugging his knees to his chest. Ursa supportively hugged him close.

"Why do I have to be like this? Why do I have to love people even when they hurt me?"

"This is who you are Zuko and to me; that is your greatest strength. Promise me Zuko; no matter what happens you will always look after her."

"I promise Mom," he said with a smile.

He was jerked back to the present. Zuko could not acquiesce to Azula; he would prove his trust to her one way or another. It proved futile. They just argued and she was too wound up to listen to any rationale. Had their relationship really deteriorated this badly? No, it was always this way, they would have moments of peace and then unbridled chaos would ensue; his impulsive emotions were to blame; this time, they ran ahead of him longing for a sense of family, how selfish.

It was just he and her in the room. He tried being the big brother and assure her that it was all going to be okay and that she could be herself. He couldn't quite catch those words before they exited his mouth, he knew what was coming next and thanked Agni for Cheng's chi blocking darts. She stood her ground; fingers faced toward him in a lightbending stance. "That's it! I challenge you to an Agni Kai; we're long overdue for a rematch!"

"I'm not going to fight you."

"Then I'll have to match both eyes!" she hollered.

"This was all a mistake", he said to himself holding his head.

How could he have been so imprudent? He decided that perhaps the utmost of honesty could diffuse the situation. Zuko saw the opportunity to inch closer. He laid a hand on her shoulder. "My niece is evidence that you have loved someone. I will protect you. As Firelord, I promote peace and eradicate destruction, no matter what madman tries to rip you away from me."

For a minute he saw a glint in her eye, but then they transformed to numerous tears and progressive hyperventilation.

"Azula are you okay?"

She looked at him as her breath quickened so violently, she held her chest. Zuko's eyes stretched wide in shock. Oh Agni, this can't be happening. He became flustered, unable to speak. He managed to call out, "KATARA!"

The waterbender burst through the room; not being too far behind. The princess graduated to getting winded; her legs now shook. Zuko held Azula firmly close under her arms. He brushed her bangs away, watching her suffering every breath. The world around him was none existent. He barely remembers Katara's instructions; he was lost and silent. He never took his eyes off her during the treatment. Azula's eyes were so scared, afraid and innocent. He was certain she would pull through, she had to; she was a fighter.

Azula's breath normalized as warm air escaped her lungs; with a trembling hand, she caressed his face. She mouthed the affectionate nickname from childhood, "Zuzu" before falling limply in his arms.

He held her tight in an embrace. History once again was repeating itself; he now, more than ever, was defeated. He and Katara shared the glance that they had six years ago in the courtyard. He was helpless; there wasn't a confidant in the world that could empathize.

He visited her later that evening in her old room. She was still sleeping; he was always fond of that look, mostly because she was quiet or not showing off. He chuckled to himself a fond memory arose:

Four year old Zuko would sneak a peek at his little sister. She slept soundly in her crib. Two year old Azula was a happy toddler for the most part, but she get temperamental if she even thought someone was watching her during her beauty rest. When she awoke Zuko flinched ready for a pillow to be thrown his way; but this time as soon as she saw him, she curiously crawled toward the bars of her crib. She reached for his nose. He dramatically fell on the ground pretending to be in pain. Azula giggled clapping her hands "Zuzu"

"No baby sister it's Zuko."

She tilted her small head to the side and pointed to his nose. "Zuzu"

Little Zuko patted her head sighing, "Close enough."

They played with each other through the bars of the crib laughing and having a good time until Zuko had to leave. He used to try to carry her around and would come to her defense if anyone touched his baby sister; In fact when she would get distressed; he was the only one who could comfort Azula. He would sing to her at night and tell her stories. The impressionable boy one time exclaimed that he was her father to Ozai, which led to a time out.

Time and space had changed many things. He could blame the world for why Azula didn't trust him; but at the end of the day, he was at fault. What he was afraid had come true. The past isn't something that could be easily mended; he could however, take things slower and just have a discussion one on one. For now, he would let her be at peace if only for a moment. He kissed her atop her forehead and whispered in her ear with a strained voice, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry"